Spiritual Personalities: Asian Icons in the Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens currently feature approximately two-dozen large stone sculptures from Asia – including authentic representations of important Hindu and Buddhist icons. These “spiritual personalities” decorate the Gardens environment. Carefully and appropriately placed, following principles of Indian Vasu Shastra and Chinese Feng Shui, they reinforce the spiritual and “Paradisical” environment created here. For persons interested in Yoga, meditation and Eastern spirituality, these spiritual sculptures educate, empower and add culture to Nature’s bounty. Enjoy!

“LION GUARDIANS” – Pair of Lion (‘Singh’) Guardians. Symbols of regal power and authority, as well as Buddhist and Hindu culture. Protectors.
Laterite sandstone sculptures, from Angkor Wat, Khmer culture, Cambodia.
Location: on Gardens Map: either side of the inner gate (LG)

“GANESHA” - The Elephant-headed “Remover of Obstacles” in Hindu culture.
Andesite stone sculpture, from Java, Indonesia.
Location: on Gardens Map: (G)

“BUDDHA” - The Enlightened Shakyamuni.
Seated in meditation, ‘hands in the gesture known as “Teaching” or “Turning the Wheel of Law”.
Andesite stone sculpture, in the style of Borobudur, Java, Indonesia.
Location: on Gardens Map: (B)

“APSARA “– a “Water Sprite/Goddess”, depicted standing, wearing a high crown.
Grey sandstone sculpture, Angkor Wat, Khmer culture, Cambodia.
Location: by the entrance Fountain Pond

“KRISHNA“– a “Spiritual Hero”, standing , ready for battle against forces of evil. Limbs missing.
Sandstone sculpture, pre-Khmer culture, Cambodia.
Location: guarding the entrance Fountain Pond

“SHIVA” – the ideal Supreme Yogi, depicted in meditation. Master of mystic science.
Andesite stone sculpture, from Java, Indonesia.
Location: on Gardens Map: (S)

“YOGESHWARI” – Supreme female Yogi. Mistress of mystic science.
Stone sculpture, in the Champa style of Vietnam.
Location: on Gardens Map: (Y)

“RICE GODDESS” - nurturing, all-giving, personification of female energy. A form of Lakshmi.
Andesite stone sculpture, from Java, Indonesia.
Location: on Gardens Map: (R)

“NATARAJA” – The Cosmic Dancer. Symbolizing the periodic renewal of the cosmos, atoms and personalities.
Stone sculpture, in the Champa style of Vietnam.
Location: on Gardens Map: (N)

“GARUDA” – The Bird/Man. The magical vehicle of Vishnu the “Maintainer”.
Stone sculpture, in the style of Bantey Srei, Cambodia.
Location: on Gardens Map: (BM)

“DURGA” – The Great Mother” in Hindu culture. Multi-armed, she multi-tasks as she takes care of everyone and everything.
Andesite stone sculpture, from Java, Indonesia.
Location: on Gardens Map: (D)

“SHIVA AND PARVATI“– a “Cosmic Couple”, seated together on the Kailash mountain - at the center of the spiritual universe of Hindu culture.
Laterite sandstone sculpture in the Angkor Wat style, Khmer culture, Cambodia.Location:
Location: on Gardens Map: (SP), by the side of the approach to “Great House” / Galleria-Restaurant

“VISHNU” – The “Maintainer” or “Preserver” in Hindu culture. Associated with prosperity. Seated. In a relaxed pose.
Andesite stone sculpture, from Java, Indonesia.
Location: on Gardens Map: (V)

“LAKSHMI” – Consort of Vishnu. Female spiritual power associated with prosperity.
Seated in a relaxed pose.
Andesite stone sculpture, from Java, Indonesia.
Location: on Gardens Map: (L)

“PAIR OF FOO DOG-LIONS”. Protectors/Guardians. Bringers of good fortune.
White marble sculptures . Ming dynasty, China.
Location: either side of Gift Shop/Restaurant entrance

“MAITHUNA” – Loving Couple. Cosmically intertwined.
Large sandstone sculpture in the Chandella style, Khajuraho, Central India.
Location: on Gardens Map: (M)

“GREAT DURGA“– the “Warrior Goddess”, standing , archaic form, four-armed.
A Hindu Goddess who grants boons and destroys evil.
Grey sandstone sculpture, pre-Khmer culture, Cambodia.
Location: at the end of the lawn, to one side of the Maithuna Loving Couple

EARTH GODDESS 1: a kneeling representation of a female devotee portrayed as an earth goddess with a bowl on her head.
Composite stone sculpture. Thai-Cambodian culture and style.
Location: by the pool outside the underground house

EARTH GODDESS 2: a kneeling representation of a female devotee portrayed as an earth goddess with a bowl on her head.
Composite stone sculpture. Thai-Cambodian culture and style.
Location: by the pool outside the underground house

TEMPLE PAGODA: a tiered Chinse style pagoda.
Composite stone sculpture. Taoist Chinese culture and style.
Location: by the pool outside the underground house.

“PLAYFUL PRINCESS” – a younger form of Durga, a playful “giver of boons”in Hindu culture.
Andesite stone carving from Java, Indonesia.
Location: on Gardens Map: (P)

“BRAHMA“– the “Creator”, standing , multi-headed, multi-armed. This Supreme Deity of Hindu culture views the spiritual universe.
Sandstone sculpture, Khmer culture, Cambodia.
Location: in front of the flowing river

“VISHNU AS BALARAMA“– the “Preserver” in “Warrior” form, standing, ready for the battle as told in Mahabharata. In charge of “Eternity and Knowledge” Balarama is the elder brother of Krishna.
Sandstone sculpture, pre-Khmer culture, Cambodia.
Location: in front of the flowing river

“PAIR OF FOO DOG-LIONS”. Protectors/Guardians. Bringers of good fortune.
White marble sculptures . Ch’ing dynasty, China.
Location: either side of the Administration Offices, left of the car-park and close to the Garden Center